Migrants stranded in the buffer zone made a ‘tepid’ attempt to enter the Republic of Cyprus on Monday but were stopped by police.

According to Menelaos Savva, community leader of Avlona, which is partially in the buffer zone, migrants held banners and began moving across the green line to Akaki.

They were carrying their bags and belongings, prompting Savva to call police and inform the deputy ministry of migration.

He told CNA the migrants were asking for access to education for their children as well as ensuring their rights. The migrants have been asking for rights to asylum procedures for months but have been barred from doing so.

According to Savva, they tried to cross over into the Republic in a “tepid attempt” which failed after police stepped in.

Some five hours later, they returned to their tents in the buffer zone which have been setup by the UN refugee agency UNHCR.